Mood Disorders

Everyone experiences fluctuations in mood; ups and downs are a normal part of life. However, when these shifts are extreme, long-lasting, and interfere with relationships, work, or health, they may be signs of a mood disorder. Mood disorders go beyond temporary emotional reactions. They involve persistent patterns of sadness, elation, or irritability that disrupt daily functioning. Left untreated, they can affect every aspect of a person’s life and may increase the risk of substance use, anxiety, or other psychiatric conditions.

What Exactly Are Mood Disorders? 

Mood disorders encompass a group of conditions, including:

● Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) — ongoing sadness and loss of interest.
● Bipolar Disorder (Type I & II) — cycles of depression alternating with mania or hypomania.
● Cyclothymic Disorder — milder but chronic mood swings lasting two years or more.
● Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) — severe irritability and temper outbursts, often in children/adolescents.

These disorders are often influenced by genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Without treatment, they can progress and significantly impair one’s personal and professional life.

The hopeful news: mood disorders are treatable. With the right interventions, many patients are able to stabilize their emotions, regain balance, and lead fulfilling lives.

At the Brain and Mind Healing Center, Dr. Kotbi, a quintuple board-certified physician with over two decades of experience, provides specialized care for patients with mood disorders. As a distinguished educator and clinician, Dr. Kotbi provides a comprehensive care approach, combining expert diagnostic skills with personalized treatment planning for patients with complex co-morbidities. His expertise spans psychiatric, neurological, medical, and addiction disorders, allowing for compassionate and holistic care. This approach includes personalized evaluations, ongoing medication management, and second-opinion consultations, with collaborative behavioral support from licensed therapists when necessary.

Signs to Watch For

● Persistent sadness or loss of interest
● Intense mood swings from high to low
● Periods of excessive energy, euphoria, or irritability
● Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
● Trouble focusing or making decisions
● Loss of motivation or productivity
● Relationship and work problems linked to mood instability
● Risky or impulsive behavior during manic episodes
● Thoughts of self-harm or suicide